Update on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Strict metabolic control, tight blood pressure control, laser photocoagulation, and vitrectomy remain the conventional management of diabetic retinopathy. Further clinical trials exploring the role of protein kinase C inhibitors, intravitreal steroid, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, growth hormone, and other potential therapies for diabetic retinopathy are actively ongoing. In the near future, results from these clinical trials may lead to the introduction of additional treatments and a corresponding reduction in the frequency of visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.